The Spanish legend will compete for the first time since this year’s Wimbledon Championship as part of an incredible weekend of tennis in the capital alongside defending Mubadala World Tennis Champion and world number one Novak Djokovic, reigning US Open Champion and world number three Andy Murray, world number five David Ferrer, world number six Tomas Berdych and world number nine Janko Tipsarevic.

A sell-out crowd is expected at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex on Friday 28th December to witness one of the biggest stories in world sport as Nadal takes to centre court following his injury-enforced absence from the game. The long awaited return of the world number four will see Nadal line-up against the winner of the opening match of the tournament between Olympic Champion Andy Murray and Janko Tipsarevic.

Speaking ahead of the championship Rafael Nadal said;
“After this long period away from competition with all these months of rehabilitation and now hard practice, I am excited to see the moment to play again is close. Every time I play, I give my 100% and try to win and it will be no different in Abu Dhabi. Obviously coming back from injury will be tough but the Mubadala World Tennis Championship is exactly the test I need for my game and my fitness. I can’t wait to get back on centre court.

If the opening match of the Championship goes in favour of world rankings, fans can expect a classic of the modern era as a fiercely competitive Nadal attempts to come back with a win against the reigning Olympic Champion. The tennis icons have only met once in the history of the Abu Dhabi tournament, with Nadal seeking to revenge a defeat in a sensational final in 2009 to the British star.

“Abu Dhabi has been the perfect place to begin the year so I can’t wait to get back. Being in a tournament setting while getting match fitness against some tough competition in good weather can only help me move forward as I look at the rest of the season. I’ve missed playing and I’ve missed the fans but I know I’ll get a really warm welcome in Abu Dhabi”, added Nadal.

Should he progress beyond the semi-final stage, Rafael’s opponent in the final could be one his greatest rivals, current world number one, Novak Djokovic. Prior to injury in 2012, Nadal had once again written himself into the history books and confirmed his status as one of the greatest players to have ever played the game by beating Bjorn Borg’s record in securing his seventh French Open title in ruthless style against Djokovic. If history repeats itself, Abu Dhabi will once again enjoy a sensation weekend of sporting drama.

This year the renowned lively atmosphere and explosive performances will start at 5pm on Thursday 27th December for the first time in the tournament’s history. The opening match is now scheduled later to suit fans coming straight from work and wanting to catch their Andy Murray in action against Janko Tipsarevic. It’s the ideal start to the weekend for families and friends wanting to see the best players in the world go head to head.

Then, day two of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on Friday 28th December sees the entry of world number one Novak Djokovic. Djokovic will play the winner of the Ferrer v Berdych match in the first semi-final at 3pm on the Friday, with Nadal taking on Murray or Tipsarevic in the second semi-final immediately afterwards. No matter who is victorious on day one, the Abu Dhabi crowd is guaranteed to see world-class tennis from the game’s biggest stars throughout the whole weekend.

Final day on Saturday 29th December will start with the 3rd/4th place play-off at 3pm with the final itself at 5pm. In addition to the world-class displays of tennis on show in Abu Dhabi, the Mubadala World Championship are packed with off-court action for all the family. From 12pm on Day 1 players will be holding coaching clinics, before signing autographs in the afternoon as well as a special Kids’ Question Time session in the Tennis Village. The village opens at 10.30am and entry, meeting the stars and soaking up the tennis atmosphere are all free.
This year’s tournament also gives the entire family the opportunity to soak up the winter sun and enjoy the open greenery of the Family Picnic Area. Its prime location in front of the Radio 2 stage and right next to all the action means the entertainment comes to you.

Tickets are selling very quickly with three-day packages already completely sold out and limited availability remaining for day tickets. Those still to secure their place at the Mubadala World Championship are urged to book now to avoid disappointment.

Friday 28 December 2012
Tennis Village Opens Daily 10.30am
Semi Final 1 – 3:00pm
Followed by Semi Final 2 (not before 5:00pm)

Saturday 29 December 2012
Tennis Village Opens Daily 10.30am
3rd and 4th Place Match – 3:00pm
Followed by Final (not before 5:00pm)
Prize Presentation after the final match at approximately 7:00pm